I just can't imagine them being tough enough for harsh weather. I suppose I could lay on some HDLP to keep them dry, but I'm not sure how tough they'd actually be in adverse conditions.

Another dilemma I'm having is a choice for good everyday casual shoe. I've got a tan Mctavish (which I'm planning to add a topy) and snuff neumoks now, but I am considering if its worth getting a blucher like the Rapid City as well for diversity.

I treated mine w 2 coats of HDLP and proceeded to beat the hell out of them during this awful NYC winter. Held up like a champ, and cleaned up easily.

No, you wouldn't want to hike the Yukon in them, but they're great for trudging to work in nasty city conditions.

The MTO thread has grown silent and this thread has exploded due to the 2 for $250. So I'll just cross post my query here.

I'm thinking of having a spectator boot made up. As I already have 2 cap toe boots on the way (MTO eagle county) I was thinking of doing an MTO on the McAdams. Luckily the discussion for this began before that came out so AE has been generous enough to honor the previous MTO arrangement.

I cant decide between the 2 make ups:

A. Bourbon Calf - Toe Cap, Vamp, Heel Cup, Backstay

Snuff Suede - Quarters, Tongue, and Eyestays

or

B. Bourbon Calf - Toe Cap, Heel Cup, Backstay, Eyestays

Snuff Suede - Vamp, Quarters, Tongue

I wanted to do a suede - calfskin leather combo because i prefer textural contrast over color contrast. Snuff suede and bourbon appear close enough to my eyes. Are there other combos that anybody can recommend? I plan on wearing this with chinos, occasionally with grey and navy trousers, and maybe raw denim.

I know the spec is quite unusual, but I like a bit of unusual in my shoes.

Another option is a natural CXL Long Branch, but I already have a Chili Carson City boot and a tan saddle waxy leather Eagle County (on the way) so I think it may be redundant.

The MTO thread has grown silent and this thread has exploded due to the 2 for $250. So I'll just cross post my query here.

I'm thinking of having a spectator boot made up. As I already have 2 cap toe boots on the way (MTO eagle county) I was thinking of doing an MTO on the McAdams. Luckily the discussion for this began before that came out so AE has been generous enough to honor the previous MTO arrangement.

I wanted to do a suede - calfskin leather combo because i prefer textural contrast over color contrast. Snuff suede and bourbon appear close enough to my eyes. Are there other combos that anybody can recommend? I plan on wearing this with chinos, occasionally with grey and navy trousers, and maybe raw denim.

I know the spec is quite unusual, but I like a bit of unusual in my shoes.

Another option is a natural CXL Long Branch, but I already have a Chili Carson City boot and a tan saddle waxy leather Eagle County (on the way) so I think it may be redundant.

I was planning to respond, just need to look up the shoe... :-) Will do today after I wake up...

Shell is casual? Not sure I agree with that entirely, tbh. Too many aldens, carminas, etc made in them.

I do think these are relatively casual though and the shape of the shoe isn't really all that flattering to me since they're a bit bulky and I'm really skinny...

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv2breformed

Traditionally, yes they are. I know everything shell is what people gun for around here but I personally think shell is best in what it was traditionally best in: boots and bluchers and maybe loafers. I am planning on getting #8 shell gunboats someday.

The design of the shoe really has to come into play, here. You shouldn't just say "shell is casual" or "shell is formal". And the fact that Alden, Carimna, etc. use shell does not make it formal as stated. Show me a black shell balmoral and a black calf blucher and the balmoral is more formal.

I do agree that any black, blucher has a bit of an identity crisis. The fact that it's shell has nothing to do with it.

Wow, can you post a pic or two of your 14AA shoes? I would love to see them!

-Mike

Gunboats:

Leeds:

Quote:

Originally Posted by tifosi

I do agree that any black, blucher has a bit of an identity crisis. The fact that it's shell has nothing to do with it.

Much as I like my Leeds, I second this. They're relegated mostly to either informal concertwear (when I need all-black for pit orchestra or something) or going out in the evening with dark denim, open collar, and a black linen sportcoat (...that sportcoat was an unfortunate purchase, but it works on rare occasion).